Fenfluramine-like cardiovascular side-effects of benfluorex.

Author: BoutetK, Carlhant-KowalskiD, FrachonI, Gut-GobertC, HumbertM, JobicY, LeroyerC, SimonneauG, SitbonO

Overview

Benfluorex, a derivative of fenfluramine, has been used in Europe since 1976 to treat metabolic syndrome and is often preferred for overweight patients due to its appetite suppressant action. Unlike fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, benfluorex has not been linked to frequent cardiovascular side effects. However, this study reports five cases of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and one case of valvular heart disease in patients taking benfluorex, all of whom were middle-aged diabetic females with a BMI ranging from 24.2 to 49 kg/m2. While a causal relationship between benfluorex and these cardiovascular events cannot be definitively established based on these case reports, further investigation is warranted due to benfluorex's metabolism into norfenfluramine, an active metabolite also found in dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine.

Paper Details　

Original Abstract of the Article :

Since 1976, benfluorex has been approved in Europe as a hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic drug, and is commonly used in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. As a derivative of fenfluramine with an appetite suppressant action, benfluorex is preferentially used in overweight patients. In contrast to ...See full text at original site

Dr.Camel's Paper Summary Blog

Benfluorex: A Cautionary Tale of Cardiovascular Side Effects

The desert is a place of beauty and mystery, but it can also be treacherous. The same can be said for the world of medication, where drugs, like mirages in the desert, can sometimes have unintended consequences. This research paper examines the potential cardiovascular side effects of benfluorex, a drug used to treat the metabolic syndrome.

While benfluorex has been widely used in Europe as a hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic agent, the researchers, like intrepid explorers venturing into the unknown, uncover a potential risk. They report six cases of serious cardiovascular complications, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and valvular heart disease, in patients taking benfluorex.

Benfluorex's Potential Cardiovascular Risks

The researchers acknowledge that these cases do not establish a definite causal link between benfluorex and cardiovascular disease. However, they emphasize the need for further investigation, particularly given that benfluorex, like its related drug fenfluramine, is metabolized into the active metabolite norfenfluramine, which has been linked to cardiovascular problems.

Dr.Camel's Conclusion

This research paper, like a warning sign in the desert, serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with medications. The researchers caution against assuming that a drug is safe simply because it has been on the market for a long time. As with navigating the desert, a cautious and vigilant approach to medication is essential.